Trends are an interesting thing. Even if the whole idea of a trend is that its turns and affects are seen by hundreds to millions of copy-cats and hacks across the nation, they can sometimes take unexpected turns. While decades of trend followers have tried to find the most expensive and expansive attire, regardless of how it was made or how much they look like a chump of the corporate business heads, we have recently seen people retaliating to this with a new trend called Activism.
This info seems out of place for a devotion, but there is an important applicability in this issue that I really want to share with anyone who takes the time to read. It seems as the popularity of activism grows, it becomes more and more in danger of watering itself down, and gaining followers who are forgetting why they believe in it.
Environmentalism and Fair Trade are very good things. When God made us masters of the earth in Genesis (1:26), there certainly are responsibilities to live up to, When Peter says “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality,
but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him,” (Acts 10:34,35, NASB) we can certainly see that tolerance based on nationality and equality of the world’s people are important. Of course there is also Christ’s speech in Matthew 25 about sheep and goats, that includes the key challenge ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ (Matt 25:40)
We know these things are important, but I must challenge you. Do not make world issues so important that they get in the way of God’s issues. We are to be good stewards of God’s creation, we are to show equality, but this is specifically said in the context of all nations deserving God’s salvation. True we are always giving to the poor, but is it simply about world issues, or do we want to show them the love of Christ?
I implore you to be active, but active for Christ. Do not let your burn for the environment or world trades get in the way of your passion for Christ’s people, for thoughts of God and the wish to see people saved. Truly this world will pass away, clean or polluted, rich or poor, but heaven will be a better gift. Give to the poor, to show Christ’s love. Care about the environment, as responsible followers of Christ, work to help the poor, not just wear the right clothes, believe all people should be given living water.
No more trends, be active for God. Those who care about about God will be active for the right reasons, and those who set their eyes on heaven will live rightly on earth. Don’t worry. Firm faith and trust lead to the best action.

Dedicated to Dan Sage and the Social Concerns comittee, who I know are dedicated to God, and thus, to others.